UNDERGRADUATE
COURSE GUIDE 2016
Sarah Kim, Bachelor of Arts and Economics
Henry Jones, Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Catherine Koopmans, Bachelor of Education (Primary)
TOP FIVE REASONS TO CHOOSE ACU
01 THE BEST PEOPLE
From top criminal lawyers to internationally recognisedartists, we give you the chance to explore your chosen subjects with worldleading academics.
02 A WARM WELCOME
Our campuses and class sizes are small, so you won’t get lost in the crowd. Your lecturers will know your name, and you’ll make great friends.
03 GET HIRED
ACU students are in demand, and 93% get a job within four months of graduating.*
04 STUDY OVERSEAS
Want to study French in Paris? Business in Budapest?Traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing? Study abroad programs count towards your degree, and you can go nearly anywhere in the world.
05 LIVE THE FUTURE
All of our courses offer work placements and internships with leading companies, or volunteering opportunities. Don’t wait until after uni to learn in the real world.
* Of those ACU graduates available for full-time employment, Graduate Destination Survey 2014
CONTENTS
FOR A COMPLETE COURSE INDEX, SEE PAGE 20
Experience
02 WELCOME
03 AN ACU GRADUATE
04 YOUR DREAMS, YOUR FUTURE
06 UNIVERSITY LIFE
08 EXPLORE YOUR WORLD
10 THE CORE
11 CAMPUSES AROUND AUSTRALIA
Essentials
12 FURTHER STUDIES AND RESEARCH
13 SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STUDENTS
14 IT’S AFFORDABLE
15 SCHOLARSHIPS
16 BOOST YOUR CHANCES
18 PATHWAY PROGRAMS
19 HOW TO APPLY IN FIVE EASY STEPS
20 COURSE LIST
Courses
22 EDUCATION
30 ARTS
35 INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
40 GLOBAL STUDIES (DOUBLE DEGREES)
46 HEALTH SCIENCES
68 LAW
76 BUSINESS
84 THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
88 COURSE CUT-OFFS
WELCOME TO THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Completing an undergraduate degree is a major step towards achieving your goals for the future. Australian Catholic University is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, with fantastic new facilities, award-winning buildings, and world-renowned academics. However, as you browse through this course guide you will see it is our students who make us special. ACU students are learning to think critically and be guided by social justice principles. They are gaining the skills and being inspired to bring about change in their community, profession and industry. The University has seven campuses around Australia, and is known for its supportive and nurturing learning environment. Close links with industry give you the chance to gain hands-on experience in the workplace while you study, and our staff are leading figures in their fields. On campus, you will find an extensive range of support services including academic, careers and Indigenous advisers as well as counselling services. To complete the university experience, student associations organise a packed calendar of fun events, including annual balls and cultural and sports activities. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break from your studies and spend time with friends. The University focuses on courses in arts, media and design, business, education, environmental science, health, informatics and business systems, international development and global studies, law, psychology, counselling and social sciences, and theology and philosophy. As a Catholic and public university, ACU teaches within the Catholic intellectual tradition, a tradition open to students of all beliefs and backgrounds. I look forward to welcoming you in the near future.
Professor Greg Craven
Vice-Chancellor
Australian Catholic University
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GOT A QUESTION?
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Anna Zhu/Tristan Velasco (unless otherwise credited)
DESIGN: ACU design team
COVER IMAGE:
Sarah Kim
Bachelor of Arts and Economics
Henry Jones
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Catherine Koopmans Bachelor of Education (Primary)
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Bonnie Liang, ACU design team
Australian Catholic University attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (January 2015). However, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University at the time of application/enrolment for any updated information.
Australian Catholic University – CRICOS registered provider: 00004G
AN ACU GRADUATE...
...demonstrates respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity.
...solves problems in a variety of settings taking local and international perspectives into account.
...recognises their responsibility to the common good, the environment and society.
...works both autonomously and collaboratively.
...applies ethical perspectives in informed decision-making.
...locates, organises, analyses, synthesises and evaluates information.
...demonstrates effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media.
...thinks critically and reflectively.
...demonstrates values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession.
...possesses strong communication and technology skills.
LACHLAN WILMOT, BACHELOR OF EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE
SEE LACHLAN’S JOURNEY: life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/Lachlan
YOUR DREAMS
YOUR FUTURE
PATRICK ESANGGAMARKETING & BRAND MANAGER, YTD
“I love my line of work. I’m passionate about business and fashion, and my career is dynamic, interesting and fun.”
BACHELOR OF ARTS/BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
SEE PATRICK’S JOURNEY: life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/Patrick
JEAN MADDEN
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, STREET SWAG
“The best part of my job is that I get to make a difference. I am proud of what I do.”
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY)
SEE JEAN’S JOURNEY: life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/jean
WHERE CAN ACU TAKE YOU?
JOSH GOLDSBOROUGH
YOUTH MINISTRY PROJECT OFFICER
“Going that extra mile in a job I love is important to me. I’m not inspired by just meeting the minimum obligations.”
BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY
SEE JOSH’S JOURNEY: life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/josh
ASMARA JAMMALI-BLASI
EPIDEMIOLOGIST
“The strong ethical values embedded in the culture of ACU helped shape my attitude towards the delivery of quality care.”
BACHELOR OF NURSING (HONOURS)
SEE ASMARA’S JOURNEY: life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/asmara
UNIVERSITY LIFE
GET ACTIVE
ACU offers a huge range of club sport, group fitness classes and inter-university competitions. Get fit, make friends, compete, or just get the blood pumping in between classes. Group exercise classes are a great way to keep motivated. You can choose from a range of activities including yoga, aqua aerobics, or Tough Mudder training. Club sport provides the perfect opportunity to improve your fitness level while having fun and making new friends. You can play as a beginner or at competition level in sports ranging from athletics and hockey to cheerleading and ultimate disc. Each year hundreds of our students compete in ACU Games, a competition between the campuses – and Australian University Games – the largest multi-sport event in the country. See more on keeping active and healthy at ACU at life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/get-sporty and life-less-ordinary.org/undergraduate/get-healthy.
GET CREATIVE
Music, art and creativity are an important part of the university tradition. ACU’s Performing Arts Society is for students who are passionate about drama, filmmaking and comedy. If you love singing, the ACU Student Choir could be for you or, if you’re interested in presenting and production, ACU Wired Radio is an in-house radio station run by staff and students. If you have an ear for languages or you want to add to your skillset, there are French, Mandarin, Spanish and Italian classes available. Or debating, public speaking competitions and Toastmasters might be for you. See more on getting creative at ACU at life-less-ordinary.org/ undergraduate/get-creative.
GET INVOLVED
ACU has a range of clubs, societies and activities to suit all tastes. ACUNSA is your student association. Their aim is to make university life more rewarding at all levels – from representing the student body at executive level to facilitating local clubs and social events. ACU is determined to make a difference to the world we live in and offers a huge range of community engagement and volunteering opportunities, both in Australia and overseas. Campus Ministry works to bring the distinctive Catholic identity and mission of ACU to life. Each campus has a campus minister and a chaplain as well as a student faith group. Can’t find a club dedicated to your particular passion? Then why not start your own! See more on getting involved at ACU at life-less-ordinary.org/ undergraduate/get-involved.
GET THINKING
We want you to get the most out of your time at ACU. That’s why we offer a wide range of support services and resources so you can keep informed and find help if you need it. Students seeking career advice can get help with interview skills, resume writing, and career path options. Or, if you need someone to talk to, ACU offers counselling services on all campuses. The University’s Academic Skills Unit is the place to go to develop the skills to succeed at your studies. Workshops on academic writing, referencing, exam preparation and more are available. There are also resources to help you manage your finances, and students with a disability or long-term medical condition have access to disability advisers on each campus. These services are all free of charge for ACU students. See more on support services at ACU at life-less-ordinary.org/ undergraduate/get-thinking.
ACU STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
For some students, moving away from home is all part of the university experience. For others, it’s a necessity. No matter which ACU campus you choose, there are lots of accommodation options. You could rent private accommodation or live with a local host family, or if you are studying in Sydney, Canberra or Ballarat you could reside in the Living and Learning Communities managed by ACU. These residences provide an affordable and secure option and are especially tailored to meet students’ living and learning needs. They offer academic, social, sporting and chaplaincy programs and are a great place to meet new people. Visit
EXPLORE YOUR WORLD
ALL ACU STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY OVERSEAS.
You can go for just a few weeks or spend a full semester taking classes at one of our 80 partner institutions around the world. You’ll improve your language skills, self-confidence – and career opportunities – and it all counts towards your degree.
You can also put your skills to use with a professional placement offered through your faculty. You could find yourself teaching children in Vanuatu or assisting in a healthcare clinic in Cambodia. You could be working with a welfare agency in Florence or coaching East Timorese children in soccer and life skills.
Students may qualify for a grant of up to $2,500
China, Japan, The Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy
“I spent a semester in Spain completing a Diploma in International Relations at the Universidad PontificiaComillas, Madrid. It was extremely rewarding to experience student life in another country. Going on exchange, I made valuable friendships with people from all over the world and experienced the culture in a way that can’t be done when simply travelling. Coming home, it has given an edge to my CV and set me apart.”
DANIELLE DI MARTI
BACHELOR OF ARTS/BACHELOR OF GLOBAL STUDIES
The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Canada, Mexico, USA, Brazil, Chile
THE CORE
Latin: cor = heart
“Educating a mind without educating a heart is servicing a machine, not building a person.”
Professor Greg Craven
Vice-Chancellor, Australian Catholic University
Your ACU education is about learning to think critically and ethically and to be guided by social justice principles.
It is about acquiring the skills to generate change in communities and in society.
ACU’s unique Core Curriculum* lies at the heart of this vision.
The Core raises some of the most fundamental questions on human experience and meaning – and will prompt discussions that continue in the hallways, in homes and into the future.
As part of your degree, you will undertake five Core units:
• two University Core units – taken by all undergraduates
• two Program Core units – specific to your course
• one Community Engagement unit
You will also have the chance to learn beyond the walls of the university classroom. Students can apply to spend between two and four weeks taking classes in Florence, Paris, or London.
‘Cor’ in Latin means ‘heart.’ At ACU we firmly believe that education is as much about your heart as your mind.
Visit for more information.
SUSAN GALLAGHER
BACHELOR OF NURSING
My experience of the Core Curriculum in Florence, Italy, was an exciting mix of study, art, beauty, food, wine and culture. My class was a mix of ACU and American students. We studied a variety of world issues and contemporary moral problems, and were encouraged to voice our opinion regularly. We had many heated discussions. We considered justice, the morality of ethical issues and also examined how beauty affects our lives. Living in Florence took me completely out of my comfort zone and opened my mind.”
* The Core Curriculum structure is subject to change. Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
CAMPUSES AROUND AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE
Set on 40 hectares of natural bushland, the Brisbane Campus has a swimming pool, sports ovals, ample parking and an art gallery. You can study arts, applied public health, business, biomedical science, education, exercise science, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, psychological science, social science, social work, speech pathology and theology. Visit
NORTH SYDNEY
Just across the Harbour Bridge from the city centre, the North Sydney Campus has a large student common area and excellent facilities. You can study applied public health, business, biomedical science, business, education, environmental science, law, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedicine, physiotherapy and speech pathology. Visit
STRATHFIELD
The Strathfield Campus is set amid beautiful landscaped grounds and historic buildings, with excellent transport links. It has rugby and soccer ovals, a cricket pitch and an art gallery. You can study arts, education, exercise science, international development, psychological science, social work, theology, and visual arts and design. Visit
CANBERRA
The historic Canberra Campus is just five kilometres from the city centre and has a swimming pool, campus lounge with pool tables and tennis tables, and a beautiful rose garden at its centre. You can study education, nursing, paramedicine, social work and theology. Visit
BALLARAT
The Ballarat Campus has around 1,000 students and is located in the centre of Ballarat, a pretty regional town just over an hour from Melbourne. It is situated amid historic gardens and beautiful old buildings, just a block from Lake Wendouree. You can study education, nursing, paramedicine and theology. Visit
MELBOURNE
The Melbourne Campus is right next to the cafés, art galleries and boutiques of Brunswick Street. It has a bar, gym, award-winning library, rooftop garden and art gallery. You can study arts, applied public health, business, education, exercise science, international development, law, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedicine, psychological science, social science, speech pathology, theology, visual arts and design, and youth work. Visit
ADELAIDE
Adelaide is our newest campus, established last year. It primarily offers postgraduate courses in theology. Visit
FURTHER STUDIES AND RESEARCH
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES.
Once you’ve finished your bachelor degree, you can take your studies to the next level with postgraduate research or coursework programs.
RESEARCH DEGREES
A research degree allows you to focus on an area of particular interest at masters or doctoral level, under the supervision of one or more academics with specialist expertise. With a research degree, you’ll be contributing to the development of new knowledge in society
COURSEWORK DEGREES
A coursework degree is structured similarly to an undergraduate degree and involves attending lectures and tutorials. You may also be able to undertake a small research project. Your coursework degree could result in a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters.
RESEARCH AT ACU
At ACU we conduct research that makes a difference. Whether it be award-winning stroke studies or investigating solutions to help police officers become more resilient, ACU research aims to improve social, health and living conditions, influence public policy and improve our knowledge in specialist fields.